east (ēst)
n.

1. (Abbr. E)
   1. The cardinal point on the mariner's compass 90° clockwise from due north and directly opposite west.
   2. The direction of the earth's axial rotation.
2. An area or region lying in the east.
3. often East
   1. The eastern part of the earth, especially eastern Asia.
   2. The eastern part of a region or country.
4. often East
   1. The region of the United States east of the Allegheny Mountains and north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
   2. The former Communist bloc of countries in Asia and especially in Eastern Europe.

adj.

1. To, toward, of, facing, or in the east: the east bank of the river.
2. Originating in or coming from the east: a cool east wind.

adv.
In, from, or toward the east: a river flowing east.

[Middle English est, from Old English ēast.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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